p. 15 | ILLINOIS by G. W. Colcord

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 13, 1876

ILLINOIS

By G. W. Colcord

My last report was dated Sept. 10. Sept. 11-14, I was with Bro. Bliss in the tent at Dalton. Thank the Lord, we have some fruit of our labor there.

Sept. 15, held an evening meeting at Lexington. This has been a field of some hard battles. Our friends commenced well here at L., now will they prove faithful? Will they overcome every fault, that they may stand in the Judgment?

Sept. 17-20, I labored in Wayne County. Preached four times, immersed one, held one ordinance meeting, and one Tract Society meeting. In 1871 there were only two observers of the Lord’s Sabbath in this county; now we have some thirty or more. Many were suffering from intermittent fever. I had one hard chill. On the Sabbath I spoke in favor of health reform, and said, “I have no time to devote to the ague. I determine to be free.” Some smiled at my confidence; but now I may say, With God’s blessing, that was my last chill. Truly, we ought to walk in the clear light of this reform.

Sept. 21, met a small company of Sabbath keepers in Jefferson County and spoke to them. These were all (save two from Ohio) brought into the light of the Sabbath without the instrumentality of the living preacher. Perhaps I shall report this fact more definitely in the future.

Sept. 24-28, I spent in Woodburn and vicinity. Met some of the first-fruits of my public labors. Our friends here appear to desire to “go through,” and yet they do not witness that prosperity which is desirable. And why? My answer is: Because this work, in which we as a people are engaged, is not regarded as a specialty. If we would cherish it as the third angel’s message, and obey it as precious light from Heaven, the sacred presence of the Author of this system of truth would be felt among us here in Illinois, as it has never been experienced by us. Sad thought! Many very many, are needlessly depriving themselves of power to overcome. “The love of many shall wax [grow] cold.” “Some shall depart from the faith.” “I will therefore put you in remembrance, . . . that the Lord having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.”

Dear friends of the cause everywhere, let me entreat you not to backslide. It is not only dangerous, but it is ungrateful—yes, sinful. How can we consent to ignore this heavenly light?

Lonely Sabbath-keepers, be pillars of the truth in your respective neighborhoods. Remember that though you are not seen by your brethren, even for weeks and months, God’s all-seeing eye is upon us all! All must appear in the Judgment to answer for all our influences here. Though standing alone, your only hope is in not backsliding. Gen. 16:13.

Heads of families, neglect not the family altar. This service is sacred. It is a means of grace. Jer. 10:25.

But I commenced to report. Sept. 29, I spoke to a congregation of Disciples at Vermont, Fulton Co. There is one Sabbath-keeper here, and another person who is very friendly, and studying.

Oct. 1-12, and Dec. 10-15, I was at Aledo and vicinity. Through the first series of meetings, I was alone in preaching. Labored hard, and the Lord gave us a decided victory. The evening of Oct. 11 will long be remembered by the brethren and sisters at A. We met at Bro. Douglass’. None but Sabbath-keepers were present. It was appointed as a confession meeting. The good Spirit was present, and we all felt free to do duty. Tears flowed as confessions were made. No one accused another. Alienated brethren were restored, and all were encouraged. The meeting closed at 12:05 A. M.

I went to our last series of meetings in Aledo with Bro. R. F. Andrews, who bore a straight testimony to his children in the faith. Being given in kindness, it was well received. Celebrated the rites of our dying Lord. Two refrained from partaking because of a sense of unworthiness. Let us all so live that we may feel free to partake at the Lord’s table here, and be worthy at last, through Christ, to be called to the marriage supper on high. Bro. J. R. Whitham was chosen elder, and Bro. Cary Dryden, deacon, of the church at A. They were ordained to their respective offices. Sister Mary Miller was elected clerk.

G. W. COLCORD.